Having helped thousands of users build WordPress websites on both WordPress.com and WordPress.org, we've found that people ask the same questions over and over again. That's why we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions about WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org.
1.
The free WordPress.com platform is best suited for hobby bloggers who don't have the budget to build a site. If you don't mind being restricted by WordPress.com's Terms of Service, don't plan on monetizing your site, and don't need an easy-to-remember custom domain name for your site, then WordPress.com might be the best option for you.
On the other hand, with self-hosted WordPress, you have full control over your site. You can also customize your website to any extent, add any enhanced features you can imagine, and monetize your site the way you want.
Another major difference between WordPress com and WordPress org is that self-hosted WordPress offers the same set of features as the more expensive WordPress.com Business plan. The Business plan costs you $299 per year for one website, while with self-hosted WordPress you get the same set of features for just $110 per year.
2. How can I create a website on WordPress.org?
To create a website on WordPress.org, you will new zealand business email list need to purchase a domain name and web hosting.
A domain name is your website's address, such as IsItWP.com or Google.com, while web hosting is where your website's files and databases are stored.
To easily understand what a domain name and web hosting are, think of them this way: if a domain name is your home address, then web hosting is the actual house that the address points to.
When you're just starting out, the combined cost of a domain and hosting can seem pretty high.
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That’s why we’ve partnered with Bluehost to offer our users a free domain name, free SSL, and over 60% off WordPress hosting. It’s a great deal to get your website started.
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For more details, you should read our full Bluehost review and also find out how much you can save at Bluehost .
If you need guidance on building an online web presence with WordPress, then simply check out our guides below:
How to create a website, step by step
How to create a blog, step by step
How to create an online store, step by step
3. Can I move from WordPress.com to WordPress.org?
Of course.
To enjoy the free hosting service, users often start their site on WordPress.com. As their needs evolve, they realize that WordPress.com has many limitations, which makes it difficult to grow their website. This leads users to switch their site from WordPress.com to self-hosted WordPress.
If you want to migrate your site, check out our step-by-step guide on how to move from WordPress.com to WordPress.org .
WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org – Summary
The main difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org is who hosts your website. With WordPress.org, you host your own website , so you have full control over your site.
WordPress.com, on the other hand, takes care of all the hosting for you. You don’t have to install WordPress, manage hosting settings, back up your site, and so on. While this provides you with a great deal of convenience, it also means that you have less control over your site. You can’t customize the look and feel of your WordPress.com site, like you could with self-hosted WordPress. Plus, when you sign up for an account with WordPress.com, you must agree to their terms of service.
Choosing a publishing platform: our recommendation
We always recommend our users to build a site on WordPress.org because it is the most flexible publishing platform in the world. You can easily choose a WordPress theme that fits your industry as well as the unique needs of your business. You can also find the right plugins to extend your site's functionality without having to hire a developer thanks to the huge WordPress.org community.
We hope this guide has helped you understand the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.
If you liked this article, you might also want to check out Why You Should Use WordPress as Your Site Builder and How to Customize a WordPress Website [Beginner's Guide] .